Grumman CSR-110 Albatross
Equally capable of landing and taking off from water, land and ice the Albatross SAR aircraft
as employed by 442 Sqn in Comox (CF Photo)
In the RCAF, the Grumman Albatross was selected to replace the World War II "Canso" amphibian employed on post-war Search and Rescue duties. It filled similar roles for the United States Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard as well as that of other western nations.
Designed as an amphibian, the aircraft could operate from land, water as well as unprepared snow and ice surfaces by using removable skid and ski gear. Reversible propellers gave it maneuverability on the water and shortened the landing run while JATO (Jet Assisted Take-Off) bottles could be used to get the aircraft airborne quickly under adverse take-off conditions. The aircraft type was last operated in Comox by 442 Sqn and was replaced by the CC-115 Buffalo aircraft.
| RCAF No. | USAF No. | Post RCAF |
| 9301 | 60-9301 | To Grumman 1982, N9425 |
| 9302 | 60-9302 | Crashed at Hope-Princeton landslide 23-4-66 |
| 9303 | 60-9303 | To N9427, Chilean AF 573 and 273, N8487H |
| 9304 | 60-9304 | To N9380, N118FB (Flying Boats, Inc. 1982) |
| 9305 | 60-9305 | To N9386 |
| 9306 | 60-9306 | To Grumman 1973, N9387, Mexican Navy (MP401) |
| 9307 | 60-9307 | To Grumman 1973, N9388 |
| 9308 | 60-9308 | To N9392, N119FB (Flying Boats, Inc 1982) |
| 9309 | 60-9309 | To Grumman 1973, N9405 |
| 9310 | 60-9310 | N9423, Chilean AF 574 and 274, N8497E |
| Manufacturer: | Amphibian, SAR, Transport |
| Crew/Passengers: | Crew of two plus eight passengers; or, twelve litter patients and one attendant; or up to 5,000 pounds of cargo. |
| Power Plant: | Two 1,525-h.p. Curtiss-Wright R-1820 engines. |
| Performance: | Max Speed: 185 kts (343 km/h) Cruising Speed: 155 kts (287 km/h) Service Ceiling: 22,000 ft (6,705 m) Range: 2,849 nm (5,280 km) with drop tanks |
| Weights: | Empty: 22,883 lbs ( 10,379 kg) Maximum Take-off: 35,500 lbs (16,100 kg) |
| Dimensions: | Span: 96 ft 8 in (29.46 m) Length: 63 ft 7 in (19.38 m) Height: 25 ft 10 in ( 7.87 m) Wing Area: 1,035 sq ft ( 96.15 sq m) |
| Armament: | None |
| Cost: | $1,026,155 |
